Ubiquitin-dependent control of class II MHC localization is dispensable for antigen presentation and antibody production

PLoS One. 2011 Apr 20;6(4):e18817. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018817.

Abstract

Controlled localization of class II MHC molecules is essential for proper class II MHC-restricted antigen presentation and the subsequent initiation of an adaptive immune response. Ubiquitination of class II MHC molecules on cytosolic lysine (K225) of the β-chain has been shown to affect localization of the complex. We generated mice in which the endogenous β-chain locus is replaced with a GFP tagged mutant version that lacks the cytosolic lysine residue (I-A-β-K225R-EGFP). These mice have elevated levels of class II MHC as compared to I-A-β-EGFP mice, and immature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells show redistribution of class II MHC to the cell surface. Nonetheless, in these same cells efficiency of antigen presentation is unaffected in I-A-β-K225R-EGFP mice, as assayed for presentation of ovalbumin to appropriately specific T cells. The I-A-β-K225R-EGFP animals have normal CD4 T cell populations and are capable of generating antigen-specific antibody in response to model antigens and viral infection. We therefore conclude that in our experimental system modulation of trafficking by ubiquitination of residue K225 of the β-chain is not essential for the function of class II MHC products in antigen presentation or antibody production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mutation
  • Ubiquitin / physiology*

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Ubiquitin
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins